What to do after a Cockroach Bite

  • Omar Raja
  • February 17, 2024
What to do after a Cockroach Bite

Getting bitten by a cockroach can be a surprise and might leave you wondering what to do next. Even though cockroaches don’t usually bite humans unless they feel threatened, their bites can sometimes happen. If you find yourself with a cockroach bite, there are a few steps you can take to help soothe the discomfort and promote healing.

First things first, wash the bite area gently with soap and water. This helps clean the wound and reduces the risk of infection. After washing, you can apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bite. This can help reduce swelling and relieve itching or pain.

If the bite starts to itch, resist the urge to scratch it. Scratching can irritate the skin further and increase the risk of infection. Instead, you can apply a mild anti-itch cream or lotion to the bite area. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can be helpful in soothing itching and inflammation.

Keep an eye on the bite over the next few days. If it becomes red, swollen, or starts oozing pus, it might be a sign of infection. In that case, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to help clear up the infection.

While cockroach bites are usually not serious, they can sometimes cause allergic reactions in some people. If you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness after being bitten, seek immediate medical help as these could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.